As the NHL enters one of its quietest phases, from late July to late August, there is a noticeable lull at arenas across the league. During these weeks, insiders often retreat to their summer residences, players share updates from their wedding celebrations and vacations on social media, and fans can enjoy a moment of tranquility knowing that major trades or signings are unlikely to occur. This period marks a time when betting odds are typically stable, making it a suitable time to explore prospective futures bets ahead of the preseason when lines could shift significantly.

Among the notable futures bets available, the Florida Panthers are currently favored to win the Eastern Conference at +310 on DraftKings. While the unpredictability of conference champions remains, few would argue against the Panthers as a leading contender. Conversely, the Minnesota Wild are positioned at -150 to make the playoffs, a concerning disparity given the odds for the Los Angeles Kings who sit at -350. Despite the uncertainty, a bet on the Wild securing a playoff spot appears favorable, considering the low-risk implication according to oddsmakers.

Turning to specific team performance projections, the Pittsburgh Penguins are projected to fall under 78.5 regular-season points at -120. This reflects a strategic retooling phase rather than a full commitment to playoff contention, particularly amid veteran Sidney Crosby's continued presence amidst transitional changes. Additionally, the Dallas Stars are listed at +225 to win the Central Division. Although the Colorado Avalanche lead the odds at +215, the Stars could emerge as serious contenders, particularly with a full season of Mikko Rantanen. As trade situations evolve, the Stars might gain an even stronger position. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings at +260 to miss the playoffs present a risky but tantalizing opportunity, especially after another disappointing postseason exit. On the flip side, the Detroit Red Wings, at +260 to make the playoffs, have made significant movements in player acquisition, including goaltender John Gibson, and could potentially fuel a resurgence as they aim for postseason success. Lastly, the Tampa Bay Lightning's under performance projection rests at 101.5 regular-season points (+100), while the Golden Knights seem positioned to fall short of 104.5 points at -120, reflecting both teams' challenges in maintaining high levels of performance in upcoming seasons. The Buffalo Sabres, with an under projection of 84.5 points (+100), face scrutiny after a lack of significant roster improvements and continued struggles to break the playoff drought. The consensus suggests caution, particularly with a focus on teams like the New York Rangers, who offer promising odds at +550 to win the Metropolitan Division, indicating potential for a bounce-back season. Given recent acquisitions and the evaluation of Western Conference competitors, the overall landscape this season appears complex, and the prudent course may involve a wait-and-see approach, particularly leading up to the trade deadline.